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PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Preparing Your Family for a Disaster:

Taking Care of Yourself Taking Care of Others

Beverly Sobolewski, MSA

Michigan Department of Community Health

Office of Recipient Rights

Family Preparedness, 2nd tier,

Community Health Emergency Coordination Center

(CHECC)

1. How do you use this book? This book is created in 4 PDF files. Each section focuses on a different aspect of

preparedness and disaster planning; lists and information, the emergency financial first aid kit,

planning for your peace of mind, and the advance directive for mental health care. Planning in

the lists and information section is designed to deal with typical Michigan Disasters such as

floods, power outages, tornados or other short term emergencies that require you to be

“basement-bound” for a few days, or to “go now” to another place. The other sections require

planning for more long term events such as a fire, loss of health or even death. As you review

each section, choose the areas that are most important to you. Complete them as you go, or flag

them for future consideration.

2. How do you begin what seems like a huge task? There is a 6 month plan included in the first section of the book. The 6-month plan

originated with the Southern Nevada plan and was modified to include all of the items in the

Michigan planning lists. http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/preparedness/calendar.htm

By following the plan, in conjunction with or independent of the “do1thing.us” approach, all

required items and plans needed for short-term disasters will be gathered.

In addition, following either the 6-month plan or “do1thing” model, you will consider or

complete the emergency financial first aid kit, develop a durable power of attorney for medical

and mental health care, and review or create your will or trust.

Of course, you can jump ahead in any part of the plan. If you want to begin to gather important

papers on day one, there is no need to wait until week 7.

3. Where did all of this material come from? Materials were gathered from several state and federal agencies and organizations,

including, but not limited to the Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),

Office of Homeland Security, Ready.gov, Michigan Office of Public Health Preparedness,

Humane Society, Citizen Corps, Operation Hope, Michigan Legislature, and the State

Ombudsman for the State of Michigan.

4. Who were the key players in getting this idea realized and ready for your use? James F. Koval, MDiv, MPA ,Family Preparedness Coordinator at the Office of Public

Health Preparedness, Michigan Department of Community Health, who invited me to become an

active part of the Community Health Emergency Coordination Center. By asking for emergency

information, he began a process of exploration & discovery which evolved into this resource.

Dianne L. Baker, J.D., Director of Operations., Michigan Department of Community

Health, Office of Recipient Rights, who encouraged pursuance of this project and allowed the

time and energy required for its completion.

Christine Norris, Secretary to the Director, Michigan Department of Community Health,

who encouraged distribution of this booklet and created venues for others to participate in

personally committing to personal family planning.

Don Sobolewski, who actively participated in the development of the Sobolewski family

plan & disaster kit with patience and humor.

Family Planning:

lists &

information

1

WHAT SHOULD YOU HAVE TO PREPARE FOR A DISASTER?

Water [1 2 3 5 6 7] pets [14 15] � One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.

If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary.

Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.

Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.

Food Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.

Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.

Date EVERYTHING and check expiration dates. Mark your calendar to ensure rotation.

Choose foods your family will eat.

� Large tub for storing foods [5]

� Ready-to-eat canned meats [1 2 3 5]

� Ready-to-eat canned fruit [2 3 5 7]

� Ready-to-eat canned vegetables [6 7 9]

� Protein and/or fruit bars / high energy foods / snacks [11 13 14]

� Dry cereal or granola [11]

� Peanut butter [9]

� Dried fruit [9] or Nuts [14]

� Crackers [11]

� Canned juices [10]

� Non-perishable pasteurized milk [3]

� Vitamins [11]

� Food for infants - baby food or infant formula [3 10]

� Ready to eat soup [9 10]

� Powdered Milk [3]

� Instant Coffee / tea / cocoa [13]

� Pet foods [6 13]

� Cans of juice [6 10]

� Large plastic food bags [21 23]

� Plastic wrap [22]

� Aluminum foil [18]

� Plastic containers & lids [22]

� Cold Packs [23]

2

FIRST AID KIT

In any emergency a family member or you yourself may be cut, burned or suffer

other injuries. If you have these basic supplies you are better prepared to help your

loved ones when they are hurt. Remember, many injuries are not life threatening and do not

require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference

in an emergency. Consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can

help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.

Things you should have:

� container for 1st aid supplies [2]

� Red Cross 1st Aid Manual [23]

� Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex) [1]

� Sterile dressings to stop bleeding [7]

� Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect [19]

� Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection [19]

� Antiseptic [22]

� Burn ointment to prevent infection [19]

� Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes [21]

� Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant [19]

� Saline solution [7]

� Thermometer [10]

� Rubbing Alcohol [13]

� Compresses [5]

� Hearing Aid Batteries [15]

� Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever [3]

� Anti-diarrhea medication [2]

� Ipecac syrup or activated charcoal [18]

� Antacid (for upset stomach) [2]

� Laxative [2]

� medicine dropper [13]

� Prescription medications [5] you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and

asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.

� Prescribed medical supplies [5] such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring

equipment and supplies.

� Rx Bottle with list of prescriptions [2] (see p 17 of Planning for Your Peace of Mind) &

� list of important phone numbers [2]

� Things it may be good to have: � Scissors [9]

� Tweezers [13]

� Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant [16]

� Sunscreen [2]

� Toothbrush [19] and toothpaste [23]

� Denture Supplies [14]

3

SUPPLY CHECKLISTS

Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit: (in addition to food, water & first aid) � Cell Phone (battery powered or battery chargers) [7] or car converter [23]

� Battery-powered radio and extra batteries or crank radio [4]

� Flashlight and extra batteries [8]

� Safety Pins [1]

� Whistle to signal for help [8]

� Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air [20]

� Moist towelettes for sanitation [17]

� Wrench [4] or pliers [16] to turn off utilities

� 2 non-electric can openers [1] for food (if kit contains canned food)

� Plastic sheeting [8] and duct tape [12]to shelter-in-place

� Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation x 3 [15 17 18]

Other items to consider adding to your Supply Kit:

� Cash or traveler's checks, change, roll of quarters [15]

� Rain gear (umbrella) [18]

� Safety Goggles [4]

� Mess kits, paper cups [14], plates [15], and plastic utensils [19]

� Paper towels - 6 rolls total [18 21]

� Toilet Paper - 2 rolls [17]

� Kleenix [21]

� Liquid Dish Soap [22]

� Paper, pencil, pen [3]

� Sewing kit [14]

� Feminine supplies [9]

� Personal hygiene items, deodorant, comb, etc [23]

� Disinfectant [17]

� Household chlorine bleach (1 qt) [17]

� Permanent marking pen [1]

� Velcro or double sided tape [12]

� Masking Tape [12]

� Plumbers Tape [12]

� Measuring Spoons [19]

� Fire Extinguisher [20]

� Compass & Local Map [20]

� Matches in a waterproof container [4]

� Signal flare [24]

� Battery powered camping lantern & extra batteries [20]

� Disposable pet carrier [22] & Pet leashes [22]

� Check pet disaster kit (p 8) [16]

4

SUPPLY CHECKLISTS (cont’d)

You may not need to purchase these items. If they are already in your house, gather

them together for ease of access.

� Box heavy duty garbage bags x 3 [15 17 18]

� Screw driver [16]

� Heavy work gloves [4]

� Camping or utility knife [8]

� Heavy Rope [8]

� Crow bar [16]

� Vice grips [16]

� Bungee cords [24]

� Camp stove & fuel [24]

Clothing and Bedding:

If you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that the power

will be out and you will not have heat. Rethink your clothing and bedding supplies to account for

growing children and other family changes.

One complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person, including:

� Jacket or coat [14]

� Long pants [14]

� A long sleeve shirt [14]

� Sturdy shoes [13]

� Hat and gloves [18]

� Underwear & socks [14]

� towels [17]

� Sleeping bag for each person [10]

� Warm blanket for each person [9]

Other

You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an

emergency you can also use it to purify water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach

per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

Important Family Documents: [20]

Keep copies of important family records such as insurance policies, identification and bank

account records in a waterproof, portable container.

You can use this EFFAK (Emergency Financial First Aid Kit) developed by Operation Hope,

FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.

5

SPECIAL NEEDS ITEMS

Remember the special needs of your family members. Infants, the elderly and persons with

disabilities need the same planning as everyone else, and sometimes a little more, to be prepared

for a terrorist attack.

For Baby:

� Formula

� Diapers [11]

� Bottles

� Powdered milk

� Medications

� Moist towelettes

� Diaper rash ointment

For Adults:

� Ask your doctor about storing prescription medications such as heart and high blood pressure medication,

insulin and other prescription drugs.

� Denture needs

� Contact lenses and supplies

� Extra eye glasses

For Seniors:

� Plan how you will evacuate or signal for help.

� Plan emergency procedures with home health care agencies or workers.

� Tell others where you keep your emergency supplies.

� Teach others how to operate necessary equipment.

� Label equipment like wheelchairs, canes or walkers.

Additional supplies for seniors: � List of prescription medications including dosage in your supply kits. Include any allergies.

� Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries.

� Extra wheelchair batteries or other special equipment in your supply kit.

� A list of the style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers in your emergency supply kits.

� Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards.

� List of doctors and emergency contacts.

For People with Disabilities:

� Create a support network to help in an emergency.

� Tell these people where you keep your emergency supplies.

� Give one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment.

� Contact your city or county government's emergency information management office. Many local offices

keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be located quickly in a sudden emergency.

� Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability.

� If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of

more than one facility.

� Show others how to operate your wheelchair.

� Know the size and weight of your wheelchair, in addition to whether or not it is collapsible, in case it has to

be transported.

Additional Supplies for People with Disabilities: Prescription medicines, list of medications including dosage, list of any allergies.

� Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries.

� Extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen.

� Keep a list of the style and serial number of medical devices.

� Medical insurance and Medicare cards.

� List of doctors, relatives or friends who should be notified if you are hurt.

6

Animal Safety - Pets and Disaster: Be Prepared

Our pets enrich our lives in more ways than we can count. In turn, they depend on us for their

safety and well-being. Here's how you can be prepared to protect your pets when disaster strikes.

Take your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be permitted in public

shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency. (see p 8)

The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If

you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.

Different disasters require different responses. But whether the disaster is a hurricane or a

hazardous spill, you may have to evacuate your home.

In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect

your pets is to evacuate them, too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for

them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse. So prepare now for the day when

you and your pets may have to leave your home.

1. Have a Safe Place To Take Your Pets Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of states' health and safety regulations

and other considerations. Service animals who assist people with disabilities are the only

animals allowed in Red Cross shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for

your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes to do

your research.

� Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting

pets and restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if "no pet" policies are waived in

an emergency. Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including phone numbers, with other

disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for

reservations.

� Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your

animals. If you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but

be prepared to house them separately.

� Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an

emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.

� Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a

disaster. Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have as

well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.

2. Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit Whether you are away from home for a day

or a week, you'll need essential supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in

sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.). Your pet

disaster supplies kit should include:

� Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit.

� Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your

animals can't escape.

� Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.

� Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener.

� Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and

number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.

� Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.

7

3. Know What To Do As a Disaster Approaches � Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to

protect your pet.

� Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.

� Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.

� Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a

hurry.

� Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened, up-to-date

identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it,

or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive

tape on the back of your pet's ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.

You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be

willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be

comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet

disaster supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home. If you use a petsitting service, they

may be available to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.

Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely. But bear

in mind that animals react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs

securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers. Don't leave animals unattended anywhere they can

run off. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape, or even bite or scratch. And,

when you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult your

veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.

Caring for Birds in an Emergency Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. In cold weather, wrap a blanket

over the carrier and warm up the car before placing birds inside. During warm weather, carry a

plant mister to mist the birds' feathers periodically. Do not put water inside the carrier during

transport. Provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content. Have a

photo for identification and leg bands. If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper

towels and change them frequently. Try to keep the carrier in a quiet area. Do not let the birds

out of the cage or carrier.

About Other Pets

Reptiles Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase but they must be transferred to more secure housing

when they reach the evacuation site. If your snakes require frequent feedings, carry food with

you. Take a water bowl large enough for soaking as well as a heating pad. When transporting

house lizards, follow the same directions as for birds.

Pocket Pets Small mammals (hamsters, gerbils, etc.) should be transported in secure carriers suitable for

maintaining the animals while sheltered. Take bedding materials, food bowls, and water bottles.

A Final Word If you must evacuate, do not leave your animals behind. Evacuate them to a prearranged safe location if

they cannot stay with your during the evacuation period. (remember, pets are not allowed in Red Cross

shelters.) If there is a possibility that disaster may strike while you are out of the house, there are

precautions you can take to increase your pets' chances of survival, but they are not a substitute for

evacuating with your pets. For more information, contact The Humane Society of the United States,

Disaster Services, 2100 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20037.

8

CLEAN AIR Many potential terrorist attacks could send tiny microscopic "junk" into

the air. For example, an explosion may release very fine debris that can cause lung damage.

A biological attack may release germs that can make you sick if inhaled or absorbed

through open cuts. Many of these agents can only hurt you if they get into your body, so

think about creating a barrier between yourself and any contamination.

Nose and Mouth Protection

Face masks or dense-weave cotton material, that snugly covers your nose and mouth and is specifically

fit for each member of the family. Do whatever you can to make the best fit possible for children.

Be prepared to improvise with what you have on hand to protect your nose, mouth, eyes and cuts in your

skin. Anything that fits snugly over your nose and mouth, including any dense-weave cotton material, can

help filter contaminants in an emergency. It is very important that most of the air you breathe comes

through the mask or cloth, not around it. Do whatever you can to make the best fit possible for children.

There are also a variety of face masks readily available in hardware stores that are rated based on how

small a particle they can filter in an industrial setting.

Given the different types of attacks that could occur, there is not one solution for masking. For instance,

simple cloth face masks can filter some of the airborne "junk" or germs you might breathe into your body,

but will probably not protect you from chemical gases. Still, something over your nose and mouth in

an emergency is better than nothing. Limiting how much "junk" gets into your body may impact

whether or not you get sick or develop disease.

Other Barriers

� Heavyweight plastic garbage bags or plastic sheeting

� Duct tape

� Scissors There are circumstances when staying put and creating a barrier between yourself and potentially

contaminated air outside, a process known as "shelter-in-place," is a matter of survival. You can use

these things to tape up windows, doors and air vents if you need to seal off a room from outside

contamination. Consider precutting and labeling these materials. Anything you can do in advance will

save time when it counts.

Use available information to assess the situation. If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local

authorities say the air is badly contaminated, you can use these things to tape up windows, doors and air

vents if you need to seal off a room. Read more: Deciding to Stay or Go.

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filtration) Filter Fans

Once you have sealed a room with plastic sheeting and duct tape you may have created a better barrier

between you and any contaminants that may be outside. However, no seal is perfect and some leakage is

likely. In addition to which, you may find yourself in a space that is already contaminated to some

degree.

Consider a portable air purifier, with a HEPA filter, to help remove contaminants from the room

where you are sheltering. These highly efficient filters have small sieves that can capture very tiny

particles, including some biological agents. Once trapped within a HEPA filter contaminants cannot get

into your body and make you sick. While these filters are excellent at filtering dander, dust, molds,

smoke, biological agents and other contaminants, they will not stop chemical gases.

Some people, particularly those with severe allergies and asthma, use HEPA filters in masks, portable air

purifiers as well as in larger home or industrial models to continuously filter the air.

Family Planning:

creating plans emergency family

information

FAMILY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN Name: ______________________

1

FAMILY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN Essential Components to be in place BEFORE an emergency:

(Enter information on the following pages)

Designated meeting place just outside the home

Designated meeting place outside the neighborhood (other family member, friend,

church, etc) in case family cannot return home.

All family members know address and phone number of designated meeting place away

from home.

Out-of-town (or out-of-state) contact everyone in the family will use in case of a disaster

to report in and check on each other.

All family members know name, address, phone number, email address of the out-of-

town family contact.

Arrangements have been made for pets: food, water, leashes, carriers, boarders, etc.

School emergency plan has been checked and arrangements made

School has updated emergency contact information that is 3-deep (i.e., parents, 1st

alternate, 2nd

alternate for pick-up or sending children to in case of a disaster)

School has appropriate signed authorization to release children to a family care-giver

other than the parents

Daycare provider emergency plan has been checked and arrangements made

Daycare provider has updated emergency contact information that is 3-deep

Daycare provider has signed authorization to release children to a family care-giver other

than the parents

Each family member has a list of emergency contacts including phone numbers and email

addresses in their wallets/purses/backpacks. This list should include the out-of-town

emergency family contact, family physicians, pastor, school principal, parents’

supervisors at work, etc.

Attorney or Advisor has Family Emergency Preparedness Information in a sealed

envelope

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care prepared (signed and witnessed) for each

family member and given to designated out-of-town family contact person

Permission to Treat form completed for each minor child in the family


2

Plan Details:

Family meeting place near the home: ____________________________________________

Family meeting place outside of the neighborhood: _________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________

Phone #: ________________________ Cell Phone: __________________________

Out-of-town family contact – Name: ____________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________

Telephone Number: ___________________ Cell Phone: _______________________

Email Address: _________________________________________________________

Special codes: ____________________________________________________________

(e.g., contact waits to hear 2 rings, pause, and then immediate call back)

Dad’s employer: ________________________________________________________________

Dad’s work phone #: __________________ Work cell phone #: ____________________

Name of immediate supervisor: ______________________________________________

Phone # (if different from Dad’s work #): ______________________________________

Mom’s employer: _______________________________________________________________

Mom’s work phone #: _________________ Work cell phone #: ____________________

Name of immediate supervisor: ______________________________________________

Phone # (if different than Mom’s work #): _____________________________________

Family physician: ___________________________ Phone: ____________________________

Pastor: ____________________________________ Phone: _____________________________


3

CREATING A FAMILY PLAN

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact

one another and review what you will do in different situations.

� It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-

town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family

members.

� Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a

prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.

� You may have trouble getting through, or the telephone system may be down

altogether, but be patient.

Emergency Information

Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your

area and how you will be notified. Methods of getting your attention vary from community to

community. One common method is to broadcast via emergency radio and TV broadcasts.

You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call, or emergency workers may go door-to-

door.

Call the closest chapter of the American Red Cross for emergency information that applies to

your community.

Emergency Plans

You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time:

work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one. Talk to

your neighbors about how you can work together in the event of an emergency. You will be

better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you think

ahead and communicate with others in advance.

AT WORK AND SCHOOL

Like individuals and families, schools, daycare providers, workplaces,

neighborhoods and apartment buildings should all have site-specific emergency

plans. Ask about plans at the places where your family spends the most time:

work, school and other places you frequent. If none exist, consider volunteering to

help develop one. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones

during an emergency if you think ahead, and communicate with others in advance.

Schools and Daycare

If you are a parent, or guardian of an elderly or disabled adult, make sure schools and daycare

providers have emergency response plans.

� Ask how they will communicate with families during a crisis.

� Ask if they store adequate food, water and other basic supplies.

� Find out if they are prepared to "shelter-in-place" if need be, and where they plan to go

if they must get away.


4

Neighborhoods and Apartment Buildings A community working together during an emergency makes sense.

� Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together during an emergency.

� Find out if anyone has specialized equipment like a power generator, or expertise such

as medical knowledge, that might help in a crisis.

� Decide who will check on elderly or disabled neighbors.

� Make back-up plans for children in case you can't get home in an emergency.

� Sharing plans and communicating in advance is a good strategy.

Read more at Get a Kit and Staying Put.

Getting Away

There may be conditions under which you will decide to get away, or there may be situations

when you are ordered to leave. Plan how you will assemble your family and anticipate where

you will go. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options in an

emergency.

Create an evacuation plan:

� Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate

neighborhood.

� If you have a car, keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case you need to evacuate.

� Become familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your

area.

� If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to.

� Take your emergency supply kit unless you have reason to believe it has been

contaminated.

� Lock the door behind you.

Plan for your pets: � Pets should not be left behind, but understand that only service animals may be

permitted in public shelters. Plan how you will care for your pets in an emergency.

� Store extra food, water and supplies for your pet.

If time allows: � Call or email the "out-of-state" contact in your family communications plan.

� Tell them where you are going.

� If there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so, shut off water,

gas and electricity before leaving.

� Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.

� Check with neighbors who may need a ride.

Learn how and when to turn off utilities: If there is damage to your home or you are instructed to turn off your utilities:

� Locate the electric, gas and water shut-off valves.

� Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves.

� Teach family members how to turn off utilities.

� If you turn the gas off, a professional must turn it back on. Do not attempt to do this

yourself.


5

If an emergency occurs on a weekday and school is in session the family will do the following:

If an emergency occurs on a Saturday or Sunday the family will do the following:


6

If an emergency happens at night the family will do the following:

If an emergency happens on a weekday when school is NOT in session the family will do the

following:


7

This is what the family will do to take care of elderly parents/grandparents:

This is what the family will do to take care of pets in the event of an emergency:


8

The family has Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (Patient Advocate) forms for the

following family members and they are located in the following places:

(These documents would allow the designated person to speak for the family member if s/he is

incapable of making their own decisions regarding health care and treatment.)

Name Location

The family has Permission to Treat forms completed for all minor children and they are located

in the following places:

This document allows health care professionals to treat your child(ren) in the event of a public

health emergency and the parents or guardian are not immediately available to give that

permission. (See sample on next page)

Child’s Name Location


9

Permission to Treat Minor Child

I hereby give permission for my child _________________________________________________

(Child’s name)

to be given all necessary and appropriate medical care and treatment to stabilize his/her condition in the

event of a public health emergency until I can be contacted.

Signed, _______________________________________________________ Date: _____________

(Signature of Parent or Guardian)

Print Name: ___________________________________________________

Parents’ Contact Information:

Home phone number: ___________________ Mom’s cell phone #: ______________________

Mom’s work phone #: ___________________ Dad’s work phone #: _____________________

Dad’s cell phone #: _____________________

Family Emergency Contact #: _______________________

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL – EMERGENCY USE ONLY DO NOT

DISCLOSE

10

Family Emergency Preparedness Information

The information contained on this form is personal and confidential. It is intended solely

for in an emergency. None of the information on this form may be disclosed in whole or in

part to any person without the express consent of the person to whom this information

belongs.

Dad’s Information

Name: _______________________________________________________________

Place of Employment: _____________________________________________

Work phone number: _________________ Work cell phone number: _____________

Pager number: _______________________ Home phone number: ________________

Personal cell phone number: ______________ Work email address: _______________

Name of Supervisor: ___________________________________

Phone Number: _________________________________

Home Address: _____________________________________________________

City: ____________________________, State ______ Zip: ___________

Mom’s Information

Name: ____________________________________________________

Place of employment: ________________________________________

Work phone number: _________________ Work cell phone number: _____________

Pager number: _______________________ Home phone number: ________________

Personal cell phone number: ______________ Work email address: _______________

Name of Supervisor: ___________________________________

Phone Number: _________________________________

Home Address: _____________________________________________________

City: ____________________________, State ______ Zip: ___________


DISCLOSE

11

Health Resource Information for Dad

Pastor: _________________________________

Name of Church: _________________________

Phone: ___________________________

Physician: ______________________________

Phone: ___________________________

Health Insurance Carrier: __________________

Group #: __________________________

Health Resource Information for Mom

Pastor: _________________________________

Name of Church: _________________________

Phone: ___________________________

Physician: ______________________________

Phone: ___________________________

Health Insurance Carrier: __________________

Group #: __________________________

Special medical/health needs of parents:

This includes any medications that must be taken daily such as insulin, inhalers for asthma, restricted diet, etc.

Out-of-Town Emergency Family Contact

Name: _____________________________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

City: __________________________________________ State: ______ Zip: ______________

Telephone: ______________________ Cell phone: __________________________

Email address: _____________________________________ Pager #: _________________________

Additional information needed to contact this person? (e.g., special codes, ring patterns, etc)

__________________________________________________________________________________

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL – EMERGENCY USE ONLY DO NOT DISCLOSE

12

Children’s Information

Check here if your children are adults and go to page 12.

Name: _______________________________

Age: ________ Grade in school: __________

School child attends: ___________________

School phone number: __________________

Name of child’s teacher: ________________

Name of school principal: ___________________

Day care provider name: ____________________

Phone number: ______________________

Child’s physician: _________________________

Phone number: _____________________

Name: _______________________________


School child attends: _______________________


Name of child’s teacher: _____________________

Name of school principal: ____________________

Day care provider name: _____________________

Phone number: ______________________

Child’s physician: __________________________

Phone number: _____________________


13

Name: _______________________________


School child attends: ___________________


Name of child’s teacher: ________________

Name of school principal: ___________________


Phone number: ______________________

Child’s physician: _________________________

Phone number: _____________________

Name: _______________________________


School child attends: ________________________





Phone number: ______________________


Phone number: _____________________

Name: _______________________________


School child attends: _______________________




Day care provider name: _____________________

Phone number: ______________________


Phone number: _____________________

Name: _______________________________


School child attends: ________________________





Phone number: ______________________


Phone number: _____________________


14

Adult Children

Check here if your adult child lives with mom.

Check here if your adult child lives with dad (if address is different than mom’s)

Name: ___________________________________________________

Place of employment: _______________________________________

Phone number: ______________________________________

Name of Supervisor: _________________________________

Supervisor’s phone number: ___________________________

Cell phone number: ________________________________________

Home phone number: _______________________________________

Name of Spouse: ___________________________________________________

Place of employment: _________________________________________

Phone number: ______________________________________________

Cell phone: _________________________________________________

Children: _________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Additional Information:


DISCLOSE

15



Adult Child Name: ___________________________________________________


Phone number: ______________________________________





Name of Spouse: ___________________________________________________


Phone number: ______________________________________________

Cell phone: _________________________________________________

Children: _________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________



DISCLOSE

16



Name: ___________________________________________________


Phone number: ______________________________________





Name of Spouse: ___________________________________________________


Phone number: ______________________________________________

Cell phone: _________________________________________________

Children: _________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________


Family Planning:

communications plan forms

Family Planning:

next steps

how do I get started?

1

Disaster Supplies & Preparedness Calendar

The Family Disaster Supplies & Preparedness Calendar is intended to help you take

appropriate preparedness actions and create a 3-7 day disaster supply kit before the

next emergency happens. Using the calendar, your family can assemble an emergency

kit in small steps over a six month period. This list has been cross-referenced with

the lists in the front of this book and modified to include every item. Each week is

noted [ ] after the supply.

Check off the items you collect or the actions you take during the week. Supplies may

be stored all together in a large plastic garbage can with wheels. Perishable supplies

and water should be rotated every six months.

You should store at least 1 – 2 gallons of water per person for each day. This water is

for drinking and sanitation.

*One per person in household

**One per person and pet

Week 1

Grocery Store:

• 1 gallon of water*

• 1 can of meat*

• 2 manual can openers

• safety pins

• 2 pair latex gloves

• Permanent marking pen

To Do:

• Identify and discuss what kinds of disasters are most likely to occur and how they

will affect your family and property.

• Date each can of food and water containers.

• Make a family emergency plan.

2

Week 2

Grocery Store:


• 1 can of fruit*

• 1 can of meat*

• sunscreen

• anti-diarrhea medicine

• antacid

• laxative

Miscellaneous Items to Gather or Purchase:

• Waterproof plastic container for first aid supplies

• Rx bottle with medication list

• Important phone number list

To Do:

• Plan to have at least two means of communicating with your family (i.e. email,

phone, cell phone, two-way radios).

• Prepare a list of important phone number: out-of-state contact, physicians,

veterinarian, family, creditors, insurance, etc. and place by phones.

Week 3

Grocery Store:


• 1 can of fruit*

• 1 can of meat*

• Baby food (if needed)

• Box of powdered milk or non-perishable pasteurized milk

• Aspirin and/or acetaminophen


• Pen & paper

3

Week 3 To Do:

• Designate an out-of-town emergency contact.

• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 for emergency help.

Week 4

Hardware Store:

• Portable am/fm radio

• Crescent wrench

• Plastic safety goggles

• Water proof matches

• Heavy work gloves

To Do:

• Pick two places for your family to meet in an emergency.

• Pack a “go-bag” in case you need to evacuate your home.

Week 5

Grocery Store:


• 1 can of fruit*

• 1 can of meat*

• Diapers (if needed)

• Compresses


• Extra medications or prescriptions for humans and pets

To Do:

• Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find at least two ways out of

each room.

• Locate areas in your home where you and your family can shelter-in-place.

4

Week 6

Grocery Store:


• 1 can of juice*

• 1 can of vegetables*

• Pet food (if needed)

• First aid tape


• Video tape or film

To Do:

• Use a video camera or standard camera to capture images of the contents of

your home for insurance purposes.

• Place tape or pictures in a safe deposit box or fireproof safe/cabinet.

Week 7

Grocery Store:


• 1 can of fruit*


• Rolls of gauze or bandages

• Saline solution for contacts (if needed)

Miscellaneous Items to Gather or Purchase.

• Battery powered cell phone charger

To Do:

• Scan your favorite family and pet photos and burn to a CD. Store CD in safe

deposit box or fireproof safe/cabinet.

• Make photocopies or scan important papers and store in a safe deposit box or

fireproof safe/cabinet.

5

Week 8

Hardware Store:

• Whistle

• 2 flashlights

• Camping or utility knife

• Tarp

• Heavy rope

To Do:

• Update animal vaccination records and put with important papers.

• Contact utility companies for direction on shutoff procedures.

Week 9

Grocery Store:

• 1 jar peanut butter*

• 1 can ready-to-eat soup*


• Sanitary napkins (if needed)

• Scissors

• Dried fruit - in an airtight container


• Blankets

To Do:

• Check your house for hazards.

• Identify which hazards you will reduce first.

6

Week 10

Grocery Store:

• 1 can of juice*

• 1 can ready-to-eat soup*


• Baby food (if needed)

• Thermometer


• Sleeping bags**

To Do:

• Test your smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries.

• Have a fire drill.

Week 11

Grocery Store:

• 1 box crackers (consider vacuum sealing the sleeves)

• 1 box quick energy snacks

• dry cereal

• diapers (if needed)

• vitamins (child & adult)

To Do:

• Secure fish tanks, bird houses and reptile cages.

• Brace shelves and cabinets to wall studs.

7

Week 12

Hardware Store:

• Double sided tape or velcro

• Duct tape

• Masking tape

• Plumber's tape

Week 12

To Do:

• Tie water heater to wall studs.

• Take a first aid/CPR class.

Week 13

Grocery Store:

• Special food for special diets

• Instant coffee, tea, cocoa


• Pet food (if needed)

• Tweezers

• Medicine dropper

• Rubbing Alcohol


• Extra clothing (underwear, socks)

To Do:

• Place a pair of hard sole shoes and a flashlight under your bed so they are handy

during an emergency.

• Store extra cash and credit cards.

8

Week 14

Grocery Store:


• 1 gallon of water per pet

• 1 package of paper cups

• Denture supplies (if needed)

• Sewing kit

• Nuts in an airtight container


• Jackets

• Long sleeve shirt

• long pants

To Do:

• Investigate home / rental insurance

Week 15

Grocery Store:

• 1 gallon of water per pet

• 1 box heavy-duty garbage bags

• 1 package paper plates*

• Hearing aid batteries (if needed)

• Comfort food

To Do:

• Store a roll of quarters for emergency phone calls.

• Locate a pay phone near your home and work.

9

Week 16

Hardware Store:

• Pliers

• Screw driver

• Crow bar

• Vise grips

• "L" brackets or flexible straps to secure tall furniture to wall studs

• petroleum jelly

To Do:

• Ask veterinarian about appropriate size container for your pet in case you must

evacuate your home.

• Obtain a collar-tag or microchip for your pet for identification

Week 17

Grocery Store:

• 1 box heavy-duty garbage bags

• 1 quart plain liquid bleach

• 2 rolls toilet paper*

• Disposable hand wipes

• Disenfectant


• Towels

To Do:

• Check your child’s day care or school to find out about their disaster plans.

• Find out about your workplace disaster plans.

10

Week 18

Grocery Store:

• 3 rolls paper towels

• 1 box large heavy-duty garbage bags

• Aluminum foil

• Ipecac syrup and activated charcoal


• Hats, umbrella, gloves

To Do:

• Arrange for a friend or neighbor to help your children or watch your pets if you

are at work when an emergency strikes.

• Make a plan to check on a neighbor who might need help in an emergency.

Week 19

Grocery Store:

• 1/4 teaspoon (for bleach)

• Eating utensils

• Extra toothbrush*

• First Aid Kit

• Rubbing alcohol

• Cleansing Agent

• Antibiotic Ointment

• Burn Ointment

• Eye Wash Solution

To Do:

• Find out if you have a neighborhood safety organization and join it.

• Develop a neighborhood pet care plan.

11

Week 20

Hardware Store:

• 1 box disposable dust masks

• ABC Fire extinguisher

• Local area map & compass

• Battery powered camping lantern with extra batteries

• Waterproof portable plastic container with lid for important papers

To Do:

• Research how to become a licensed ham radio operator.

• If you are a licensed ham radio operator, contact a local government agency to

volunteer for emergency service.

Week 21

Grocery Store:

• 3 rolls paper towels

• Kleenex

• Large plastic food bags

• Adhesive bandages in various sizes


• Shoes

Week 22

Grocery Store:

• Liquid dish soap

• Plastic containers with lids

• Plastic wrap

• Antiseptic

12

Week 22 Miscellaneous Items to Gather or Purchase:

• Leashes for pets

• Disposable pet carrier

• Pet supply kit (section 1 page 8)

Week 23

Grocery Store:

• Large plastic food bags

• Tooth paste

• Cold packs

• Personal hygiene items i.e. deodorant, comb


• Red Cross First Aid Manual

Week 24

Hardware Store:

• Extra batteries

• Bungee cords

• Signal flare

• Child-proof latches

• Large ground screw to secure animals if fences fall.

• Camp stove & fuel

The following items should be used or replaced at the suggested time:

Use within 6 months:

• Powdered milk (box)

• Dried fruit (in air tight container)

• Dry, crisp crackers (in air tight container)

• Potatoes

• Water

• Bleach

13

With within one year:

• Canned condensed milk and vegetable soups

• Canned fruits, fruit juices and vegetables

• Ready to eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals (in air tight container)

• Peanut butter

• Jelly

• Canned meats

• Hard candy

• Water in manufactured sealed containers

Long life: (if checked annually and in air tight containers and proper conditions)

• Wheat

• Vegetable oil

• Dried corn

• Baking powder

• Soybeans

• Instant coffee, tea and cocoa

• Salt

• Noncarbonated soft drinks

• White rice

• Bouillon products

• Dry pasta

• Powdered milk (nitrogen-packed)

Storage Tips

• Keep food in dry, cool spot – dark area if possible.

• Keep food covered at all times.

• If you open food boxes or cans, do so carefully, so that you can close them

tightly after each use.

• Wrap cookies or crackers in a plastic bag and inside a tight container.

• Empty opened packages of sugar, dried fruits and nuts into screw-top jars or air

tight cans to protect them from pests.

• Inspect all food for signs of spoilage before use.

• Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies.

• Mark all foods with purchase date with an ink or marking pen.

• Place new items the back/bottom or the storage area/container.

14

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15

February

Water

August

Connect with

Community

March

Sheltering

September

Getting Information

April

Risk Assessment

October

Power

May

Food

November

Emergency Supplies

June

Special Items

December 2006

First Aid

July 2006

Communication

www.do1thing.us Calendar Another useful tool for organizing and annually reviewing your disaster plan & implementation process is Do1Thing. Page 15-18 of this section are an example of May (Food)

16

Do 1 Thing…Food

Snowstorms can keep us in our homes for days. Power outages can close stores. Disease outbreaks may make public places dangerous. It is important for every household to be able to take care of itself without outside help for 72 hours. THE GOAL: Have a food supply that will meet the needs of your household for three days without outside assistance.

Do One Thing

Purchase and store a dedicated three day emergency food supply for your household.

Make a food storage plan that will meet your family’s needs in a disaster (including pets).

Take steps to make sure food in your refrigerator and freezer will stay cold in a power outage.

Knowing & Meeting Your Family’s Needs An emergency food supply doesn’t have to be tucked away in a safe location, ready for disaster to strike (although it can be). It can be sitting on the shelves of your cupboards every day, being used and replenished each time you go shopping. The type and amount of food a person needs depends on many things: age, health, physical activity level, size, etc. It’s important to get a balanced diet during a disaster, when your body may be experiencing greater than normal stress. (Disasters are a good time to avoid alcohol. It might seem to help during stressful times, but it is a depressant.) Food Storage Plan The key to a good food storage plan is to buy early. By replacing items before you run out, you make sure that your family will have what they need when disaster strikes, and you do not end up buying any more often. Use the BUS rule to plan for your family’s needs during a disaster: Balance, Usability, and Shelf-Life. 1. Balance: Chances are you are already buying a balanced diet for your family. Make

sure that all food groups are represented, whether you are using a food storage plan, or creating a dedicated disaster food supply. A balanced diet includes a variety of foods from each of the basic food groups.

2. Usability: When you shop, pick up items from each food group that would be usable in a disaster (canned or dried meat, dry cereal, canned vegetables—foods that don’t need to be refrigerated or cooked, and that don’t need a lot of water added) and can also be used for every day meals. Think about what food in your kitchen today could

www.do1thing.us

17

be prepared if you had no electricity and no ability to go to a store. Make sure you have a manual can opener if you are planning to use canned goods.

3. Shelf Life: The length of time that perishable foods will last is marked on the package. Whether you are storing a dedicated emergency food supply, or using a food storage plan, pay attention to shelf-life when purchasing and using food. Use and replace foods before the expiration date.

If you have a baby, or if someone in your family has special dietary needs, apply these rules to their food supply also. And do the same for your pets. Include comfort foods like graham crackers or chocolate (you may want to consider putting these away especially for an emergency). Dedicated Emergency Food Supply You may want to put aside a dedicated 3 day supply of food for emergencies. Consider doing this if your lifestyle keeps you from cooking for yourself on a regular basis. You probably have a better idea than anyone else how much food you and your family members would need for three days. Make sure that all food groups are included in your emergency supply. Include high energy foods (such as nuts and protein bars) and comfort foods. A large plastic tub with a lid makes an excellent storage place for an emergency food supply. It will keep foods fresh longer and will protect from the elements if your home is flooded or damaged. Make sure you keep track of the shelf-life of the food in your emergency supply and rotate it as needed. Food Safety If you don’t have a refrigerator/freezer thermometer, get one. Knowing the highest temperature reached by your refrigerator and freezer while the power is out is the key to knowing whether or not your food is safe to eat. During an extended power loss temperatures in your refrigerator and freezer will begin to rise, even if the door stays closed. As the temperature rises harmful bacteria will begin to grow quickly. If the temperature in your refrigerator is above 41 degrees F for more than four hours, perishable food items (milk, lunchmeat, mayonnaise based salads, poultry items, leftovers, etc.) may be unsafe to eat. If frozen food is above 41 degrees for more than one to two days, it may be unsafe. Food that still contains ice crystals should be safe. Always check the color and odor of food, particularly meat when it is thawed. If it is questionable throw it out (make sure it is discarded where animals can’t get to it). If you cannot verify the temperature of your refrigerator or if the refrigerator was off for more than four hours, perishable food items should be discarded.

Don’t forget your emergency water supply: 1 gallon per person per day, and a gallon for your pets!

(See the February Do 1 Thing Factsheet)

72 Hour Food Supply for Pets Don’t forget pets when planning your emergency food supply. If you aren’t sure how much food your pets will need for three days, use the manufacturer’s guidelines on the back of the pet food package or ask your vet.

18

Take steps now to make sure your perishable food remains as safe as possible: � Install a refrigerator/freezer thermometer � Make sure that refrigerator or freezer is not plugged into an outlet that is protected

by a GFI device. Those devices are easily tripped and must be manually reset to restore power.

� If you anticipate a power outage for any reason (winter storms, construction in the area), reduce the temperature. The colder the food, the more time it takes to thaw.

� If your freezer is not full, store containers of ice in it to help keep the temperature down.

When the power goes out: � Cover the refrigerator or freezer in newspaper and blankets (keep vents clear in

case the freezer starts operating again. � Avoid opening the door. � Use dry ice if available (identify a source for dry ice in advance, remember that if the

power outage is widespread, there may be a lot of competition for this resource). Eating perishable food that has not been kept cold enough can cause food poisoning, even if it is refrozen or cooked. When in doubt, throw it out! For more information http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/f&web.pdf

http://www.mypyramid.gov

http://www.do1thing.us

http://www.ready.gov/

http://www.michigan.gov/michiganprepares